Holistic Regulation of Angiogenesis with Chinese Herbal Medicines as a New Option for Coronary Artery Disease

Abstract

Effectively improving myocardial blood flow and controlling atherosclerotic plaque have always been key and difficult points in the prevention and treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD). Although “therapeutic angiogenesis” is regarded as a promising approach for ischemic heart disease by improving blood flow, angiogenesis itself can induce the destabilization of atherosclerotic plaque, which reflects the double-edged role of angiogenesis. Modulating the balance of angiogenesis can be an important target for CAD treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) emphasizes the holistic view and dynamic balance of the body. Furthermore, the principle of activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis (ABCRS) is closely connected with angiogenesis and CAD. Recent research suggests that Chinese herbal medicines for ABCRS are effective in balancing the regulation of angiogenesis. This review presents the progress of recent research on the angiogenesis regulation with Chinese herbal medicines for ABCRS in CAD. Moreover, this review demonstrates that Chinese herbal medicines for ABCRS can not only promote angiogenesis in the ischemic area to improve myocardial blood flow but also alleviate angiogenesis to stabilize plaque in atherosclerosis, which reflects the holistic regulatory role in CAD treatment.